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Criterion
Paper illustration for Contextual Inquiry.
UX Research
Contextual Inquiry
Paper illustration for ALPEN Method
Operations
ALPEN Method
Paper illustration for Time Blocking
Operations
Time Blocking
Purposedifferent
When work processes are known only from accounts and the real context stays hidden, Contextual Inquiry makes behavior at the workplace visible. Observation and follow-up questions together show how people actually work, get interrupted, and improvise.With an overloaded day full of too many tasks, a realistic picture of the day emerges. The method connects estimating, deciding, and buffer thinking so planning fits available energy and time.With a calendar that grows on request, the method makes available time explicit again. It combines appointments, focus work, and buffer into a more realistic day structure.
Complexitydifferent
MediumLowLow
Timedifferent
1-3 Wochen10-20 min daily15-30 min Planung, laufend
Participantsdifferent
4-12 Beobachtungen11
Formatdifferent
Workshop + asyncAsyncAsync
Outputdifferent
Field Notes, Workflow Insights, Pain PointsDaily Plan, Time Estimates, Review NotesBlocked Calendar, Capacity View, Focus Plan
Tagsno overlap
UX researchObservationContext
PlanningTime managementProductivityOperations
PlanningTime managementFocus
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Often compared together

Methods with strong topical overlap with the current selection, not yet in the comparison.

A paper tomato timer connects a focus task, short breaks and a work record.
Operations
Pomodoro Technique
Paper illustration for Eat the Frog
Operations
Eat the Frog
Gemba Walk workspace showing the question, observations, and next decision.
Operations
Gemba Walk
Paper notes move from an inbox to action, project and calendar collections.
Operations
Getting Things Done